Procedures for Police to Search a Military Official's Vehicle Containing Classified Material

In situations where the police seek to search a military official's vehicle that contains classified materials, several important protocols and procedures come into play. Understanding these procedures not only aids in the management of such scenarios but also ensures the protection of sensitive information.

Procedures and Protocols

If a military official is carrying classified materials in their personal vehicle, a strict set of protocols should be followed. These include ensuring the materials are properly sealed and secured, such as being placed in a briefcase with courier orders, and having the appropriate Red Act Search (RAS) authority.

Over the years, experiences have shown that transporting classified materials is highly regulated. For instance, while following security protocols, the author faced no issues during a commercial flight with a classified data tape for aircraft avionics. The security measures ensured the material remained in a protected state until its intended destination.

Proper Security Measures

Courier Orders

A properly completed courier order is crucial in these situations. The official should travel with a?courier order?that confirms the shipment and includes specifications such as `see attached briefcase` to indicate the documents are secured and require no further action from search personnel. This document alone often is enough to stop a search.

RAS for Search Authority

Policemen require proper RAS to conduct a vehicle search. Without this authority, an officer would have little grounds to search a vehicle carrying classified materials. Officials transporting such sensitive information are generally extremely unlikely to encounter a situation where a search can occur, making the presence of RAS a critical factor in these scenarios.

Escalation and Resolution

If a situation arises where a search is conducted despite the presence of courrier orders, the appropriate steps should be followed. The official should ask to see the officer's RAS authorization:

Should the official present the order, the police should respect and release the individual. Alternatively, an officer may harass the individual, leading to further escalation and ultimately a conflict or referral to higher authority.

The proper thing to do, as in almost all cases, is to matter-of-factly present the courier order and credentials. If escalation occurs, it is typically handled through higher channels, ensuring the appropriate personnel make the ultimate decision on whether to continue with the search or to allow the official to proceed.

Expanding on Security Protocols

When transporting classified materials, couriers often rely on a combination of sealed containers and credentials. For example, documents might remain in a locked briefcase or even be handcuffed to the courier. These measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access.

Furthermore, couriers typically have credentials and a contact number to call in case of disputes. Suppose a police officer still wants to search the package. In that case, they would be told it contains classified materials, cannot be opened, and must be escalated to a supervisor.

Real-World Examples

The author has personally transported classified documents and equipment many times. While never pulled over by police, they did go through security screenings entering various buildings and going through airport security. During these occasions, the materials were either:

Allowed to go through the metal detector in their sealed containers Handcuffed to the courier, with the package remaining clear of privacy

In these instances, couriers would often notify supervisors and work in a private area to address any issues or seek further instructions from home or higher-ups. Although rare, conflicts were resolved by ultimately speaking with the proper authority, ensuring the package was not opened or overly inspected.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In summary, the handling of military officials with classified materials in their vehicles is highly structured and regulated. Law enforcement does not have blanket permission to search these individuals or their belongings. The presence of courier orders, RAS, and proper handling procedures serves as a safeguard to protect classified information. Despite infrequent issues, the majority of cases are resolved swiftly and amicably, ensuring the continuity of sensitive operations.